Beach Fun

What a fun day we had! The weather has been amazing here! So, we invited Heather and the kids over to enjoy it with us! People thought we were a little crazy to have 6 preschoolers with only 2 adults, but the kids were great! Of course, Chase continues to live up to his name! The person who told me you should never name a child a verb was RIGHT! So, I got my exercise running around, but it was fun and beautiful - a perfect beach day!! Thank you Lord for the gorgeous weather and time with family! You are good!

A Hughes Sandwich

Look at the seagull

"See...Ba.." That means "I see a bird!"

Gabriel?

This is our new kitty!!! He showed up at our house last week! He must have belonged to someone because we've been told he is neutered and is house trained! Our neighbors said he
is a Manx - he has a bob tail and his front legs are shorter than his back! He is a beautiful cat, and the kids love him! Chase yells "here kitty-kitty"! He won't be coming in the house. He just greets us when we are outside and he tolerates the kids pretty well. Ray C. says he is just using me for the food because he hangs out a lot at the neighbors who have a lot of cats! Well, we'll see! For now, we are enjoying petting him!

Wakulla Springs

We visited Wakulla Springs this week and met Heather and her kids! It was so much fun! We saw a lot of alligators - some were pretty BIG! The kids had a great time having a picnic, riding the boat, and enjoying being with their cousins. But, I think the most fun they had was playing "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" at the playground before we left! The best things in life really are FREE!! By the way, Abigail was amazing. She remembered the names of each bird the guide told us and would announce each time we saw another! "Hey look, there's a blue heron," or "there's a cooter" (that's a turtle)!

Time to Myself

My kids went to a playdate today, and I had time to myself! A lady from the church took them, and I was supposed to pick them up, but my wonderful husband offered to pick them up so I could have more time at the house! What a great day! When the kids left, I didn't know what to do! I was so overwhelmed with chores, reading, and the need to do research on strong-willed children, that I couldn't decide where to start. I was actually anxious. I wanted to be sure to maximize my time! So, I did a lot of work with breaks here and there to read Newsweek, my Bible, and mail! It was wonderful! They were gone for 6 hours. I've never been here that long by myself. I feel like I accomplished a lot and was able to enjoy my time. I am realizing how important it is to take people up on their offers to help. In the past, I would just be polite when someone would offer to keep the kids "sometime." But now, I immediately ask them if they really mean it and what they would like to do. It helps me not feel guilty when I actually do call them that I am imposing on their own time or that I am asking them to do more than they offered! My advice -- take all the help you can get!!!! None of us should be sitting alone isolated from the world! God didn't make us that way! We were created for community! Thank you God!

At Last, A New Bra

After three pregnancies and nursing all three children, I was in need of a new bra! I had a bra in every size in my drawer - and I mean cup and width! Okay, maybe not every size, but I had a lot! I've needed a new one since October -- really! As you probably know, any shopping that takes longer than a quick stop to check size (2T or 3T) and grab what I need, is nearly impossible with three preschoolers. In fact, I usually check the stores online before I go shopping for clothes. That way I know what I want from each store, and I really can run in and out! BUT, you can't shop for a bra that way, especially when you have no idea what size you're looking for! In addition, I live over an hour from even Wal-Mart. So, shopping for this bra had to be well planned out! Well, finally I got the chance while visiting my parents last week! I went to Kohl's and walked past hundreds of bras 70-80% off!! Jackpot! I found someone to size me (an odd job, huh?), and I was able to control Thomas (he was the only one with me) well enough to get my size and find plenty of bras. I even got to try them all on! I won't announce my new size to the world, but let's just say I went the wrong direction! But, I am thrilled to have new undergarments! It doesn't take much to feel like a new woman!

Boogers...

Okay, I know this may be gross, but I must record it! Mary Frances was in the bed with us early one morning, and all of the sudden she said, "Yuck, mommy! Something is on my finger! Get it off." Knowing immediately what it was, I jumped from the bed and said, "Don't wipe it on my pillow. Just wait. I'll get a tissue!" As I was hurrying back from the bathroom, she said, "Don't worry. It's gone now!" GREAT!!! Now there's a booger in my bed! Mary Frances says, "It's okay, mommy. It was just a crumb!" Oh good! That made it better. At least I was only sleeping with a small booger! Needless to say, that day became CLEAN SHEET DAY!!

Right or Left?

It's important to know right from left. Thomas always puts his shoes on the correct feet, but he prefers to put his socks on the "wrong" feet. I don't know why, but he always asks me if he is putting the left sock on the right foot and vice verse. I just say yes to make it easy. He was talking to Grandaddy about which hand was which the other day and said, "You know, Mary Frances, if you turn around, your right hand is your left hand and your left hand is your right!" Very observant...and how do you explain that one? I mean we tried..."No, your right hand is always the same hand..." But he does have an interesting point, you know!

As Little As You

Thomas can't wait to be a grown up. He says he will be as big as daddy! Mary Frances said, "And when I grow up, I'm going to be as little as you, mommy!" Hooray!! What a compliment! I was jokingly thinking that just before she said it! I love the way these kids think!

Chase, daddy's hat, and the John Deere gator

the Island Girls